Microsoft Releases Speech Server Beta, Enhancements to Speech Application SDK, New Programs for Enterprise Companies

Microsoft Corp. today announced several key milestones for bringing speech technology to the mainstream including the first public beta release of the highly anticipated Microsoft� Speech Server, a Windows Server System (TM) , and the beta 3 release of the Speech Application Software Development Kit (SASDK). In addition, Microsoft established several new resources to engage with enterprises looking to adopt Microsoft's Speech Application Language Tags (SALT)-based speech offerings. The resources include the Microsoft Speech Server Beta Program; an Early Adopter Program (EAP); and specialized training courses on Speech Server, the SASDK, and voice user interface (VUI) and speech application design. To build a solid foundation for companies interested in becoming partners, Microsoft also today introduced the Microsoft Speech Partner Program.

"Speech technology is on the cusp of reaching its full potential, and we are committed to bringing it to the mainstream," said Kai-Fu Lee, corporate vice president of the Speech Technologies group at Microsoft. "With the beta release of Microsoft Speech Server and the beta 3 of the SASDK, we are making it easier for enterprise companies and their customers to access information. We are excited to deliver this open-standards-based technology to the market as a common platform on which developers, partners and enterprises can create great speech applications."